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Vision-Vision is the picture of a preferred future. 
Passion-The power of focus in order to get the job done. 
Change-The natural process of growth. 

8 Steps to clarifying Vision, energizing Passion & exacting Change 

1. DETERMINE: Discover God's assignment. 

1. Understand the facts 1:1-3

2. Don’t settle for the status quo 1:4a

3. Prayer & fasting 1:4-11

4. Waiting 1:1; 2:1 

2. DEFINE: Clearly delineate the specifics of God's plan. 

In chapter 1, Nehemiah is burdened for Jerusalem with no specific plan in place. In chapter 2, he has a specific plan firmly in place. 

3. DISCIPLINE: Build a strong support team. 

1. People of influence 2:5 

2. People who will help 2:7,8 

3. People who will lead 

4. DEMONSTRATE: Intentionally share your passion and bring others into “the picture.” 

1. Get the picture 2:11-17

2. Paint the picture 2:17-18 

3. Own the picture 2:18c 

5. DIRECT: Take strategic steps toward realizing the vision. 

1. Implement changes one at a time 3:1, 3 

2. Implement changes in strategic order Chapters 3 & 4

3. Put key leaders to work in visible places 3:6-12

4. Put people to work where they have passion 3:23-30 

6. DEDICATE: Press through conflict constructively. 

Expect opposition - 

• Apathy 3:5b

• Anger 4:1a 

• Ridicule 4:1b 

• Criticism 4:2-3 

• Fighting 4:8 

Keep on track - 

• Keep on praying 4:4,5 

• Keep on working 4:6 

• Keep on encouraging 4:14 

• Keep on leading 4:16b 

• Keep on watching 4:22b 

7. DISCERN: Be willing to make adjustments. 

• Care for the neglected 5:1 

• This is too hard 5:2 

• The price is too high 5:3 

• This is not fair 5:5a 

• Negotiate peace 5:9 

8. DEVELOP: Evaluate and grow. 

1. Completion of the vision 6:15 

2. Obvious demonstration of God’s work 6:16 

3. Continued opposition & criticism 6:6b, 12-13 

4. Emergence of new leaders 7:1 

5. Major contributions by the people 12:47; 13:12 

6. Renewed commitment to worship & obedience 8:1b, 3a; 8:18a; 9:1-3, 35, 38 

7. New people joining in 11:1 

8. Openness to further change 

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

1. How would you define vision? What was Nehemiah’s vision and what stands out to you about how he pursued it and eventually realized it?  
2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 
3. What are you passionate about? Share the vision God has given you for life and ministry. 
4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group. 

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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